Targeting Esophageal Cancer

Targeted delivery systems that can selectively deliver therapeutic drugs into tumor sites have demonstrated great potential in cancer treatment, which could be utilized to resolve the limitations of conventional chemotherapy. With state-of-the-art facilities and enriched experience in targeted delivery, Creative Biolabs has developed an excellent module delivery platform to provide clients professional services in a time- and cost-efficient manner. Here we provide a full range of targeted delivery services targeting esophageal cancer (EC) to meet the needs of our valued clients.

Esophageal Cancer

EC is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. In 2018, 15,850 deaths from EC are assessed for the United States alone. Adenocarcinoma (EAC) and squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are the two main types of EC. EAC is more general in the United States and Western Europe, while ESCC presents a higher incidence reported in Asia and developing countries. Due to minimal symptoms during the early stages of EC, most patients are diagnosed at late stages which limits curative treatment options. Chemotherapy is often used to inhibit the growth of the tumor and relieve cancer symptoms. For example, the platinum drugs, axanes, anthracycline compound and epirubicin (EPI) are administered to EC patients during various performance conditions. Due to the lack of cell specificity, many chemotherapeutic drugs possess significant toxicities limiting dosing frequency and cumulative lifetime dose. Thus, there is an urgent need for effective treatments integrated with targeted drug delivery strategies to minimize drug side effects.

Fig.1 Challenges to clinical translation of stimuli-responsive nanocarriers. (Rosenblum, 2018)

Delivery System Targeting Esophageal Cancer

Approaches for targeted delivery of therapeutics in cancer typically involves systemic administration of therapeutics packaged in nanocarriers (NCs) or localized delivery of therapeutics to the diseased tissue. Encapsulation of therapeutic molecules (e.g., small molecule inhibitors, chemotherapy, RNAi) in NCs can promote their solubility and bioavailability, alter their bio-distribution, and can also facilitate entry into the target cell. The targeted NCs have improved permeability and retention (EPR) effect, are the most extensively explored strategy for targeting cancer systemically. For example, the self-assembled peptide nanoparticles, which are made of natural amino acids and possess inherent biocompatibility, peptide self-assemblies are biodegradable in physiological conditions and convenient for further modification or loading with therapeutic or targeting agents owing to its chemical diversity.

Fig.2 A schematic illustration of the synthesis of RGD-f-PNPs/EPI and its targeted EPI delivery into EC cells. (Fan, 2018)

To date, a variety of types of nanoparticles have been developed for targeted drug delivery, imaging, and tracking of therapeutic agents. Recently, highly biocompatible nanoparticles with structure-induced fluorescence and the capability to conjugate with biomarkers and drugs have emerged. This approach proposes and synthesizes fluorescent nanoparticles (f-PNPs) assembled by peptides to combine imaging and drug delivery for EC. To accomplish tumor targeting, f-PNPs are conjugated with RGD moieties to selectively target EC cells via αvβ3 integrin. In addition, the nanoparticles are embedded with EPI drug. Results revealed that EPI-loaded RGD-f-PNPs (RGD-f- PNPs/EPI) led to significantly reduced cardiotoxicity and enhanced anti-tumor activity compared to EPI alone. Moreover, the drug delivery to tumor sites and therapeutic responses could be monitored with near-infrared fluorescence using the delivery system. This novel nanoparticle system may result in potential approaches for bioorganic fluorescence-based delivery, imaging, and drug release tracking.

What Can We Do for You?

The targeted delivery strategy represents a novel and promising method to treat diseases such as EC. This technique has the potential to augment the antineoplastic drug effect or possibly other aromatic chemotherapeutic agents and minimize side effects. Now Creative Biolabs is committed to developing attractive immunotherapy services targeting EC. Our advanced platforms and expert scientists will provide the high-quality and cost-effective service to make your project a success. If you are interested in our services, please contact us for more information and a detailed quote.

References

1. Rosenblum, D.; et al. Progress and challenges towards targeted delivery of cancer therapeutics. Nature Communications. 2018, 9(1).
2. Fan, Z.; et al. Near infrared fluorescent peptide nanoparticles for enhancing esophageal cancer therapeutic efficacy. Nature Communications. 2018, 9(1).

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